Scholarships for Studying in Germany: Where to Look and How to Apply

A scholarship in Germany can cover part of the costs of studying, living, travel, insurance, or a research project. Most often, such programmes are aimed not at undergraduate applicants but at master’s students, doctoral candidates, researchers, and students in particular fields. That is why it is best to begin your search with databases and the official pages of foundations.

At public universities in Germany, many programmes remain relatively affordable, but that does not mean students do not need funding. You need to account for the semester contribution, housing, food, health insurance, study materials, travel, and proof of funds for a visa or residence permit, where required. A scholarship can help cover some of these expenses, but the terms and amounts depend on the specific programme.

Where to look for scholarships

DAAD

DAAD, the Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst, remains a key source of information for international students and researchers. The DAAD database lets you search for programmes by country of origin, education level, field, and purpose of travel: a master’s degree, research project, doctorate, language course, or short-term academic mobility.

DAAD does not have one universal scholarship for everyone. Each programme publishes its own call, deadlines, document list, selection criteria, and application rules. First choose a specific programme in the database, then prepare an application that meets its requirements.

Stiftungssuche

Stiftungssuche helps you find German foundations, including those that support education, science, culture, social projects, or particular target groups. It is useful for people looking not only for large international programmes but also for more specialised foundations.

When working with foundations, check whether they accept applications from international students, fund your level of study, and have an open call. Some foundations work only with particular regions, fields, or social groups.

MyStipendium and e-fellows

MyStipendium and e-fellows can be used as additional search databases. They help filter programmes by an applicant’s profile, but you should always verify the final conditions on the website of the foundation or organisation awarding the scholarship.

How to tell whether a programme is right for you

Before preparing documents, check not only the amount of support but also whether the programme fits your situation.

The following criteria are usually important:

1. Level of study: undergraduate, master’s, postgraduate, doctoral, or research placement.
2. Country of citizenship or current residence.
3. Field of study and academic profile.
4. Programme language and the required German or English certificate.
5. Academic results and references.
6. Motivation, career plan, or research project.
7. Application deadlines and the funding start date.
8. Restrictions based on age, experience, social status, or previous stays in Germany, if stated in the call.

Do not rely only on the scholarship’s name. Two programmes from the same foundation may have different deadlines, language requirements, and document-upload rules.

What a scholarship may cover

The available types of support depend on the programme. The call description may list one or more funding components:

• a monthly living allowance;
• partial or full coverage of tuition costs, where applicable;
• health, accident, and liability insurance as part of the programme;
• a travel allowance;
• a research allowance;
• support for a language course;
• family allowances, if the programme provides them.

For example, on its overview page for 2026, DAAD lists typical monthly payments for some programmes: €992 for students and €1,300 for doctoral/PhD students. Do not automatically apply these figures to every application: check the current amount and package details in the specific call for applications.

Documents usually required

The exact list of documents depends on the call, but commonly includes:

• a CV in European or academic format;
• a motivation letter;
• transcripts of records and diplomas;
• proof of enrolment or correspondence with a university, if required;
• a language certificate;
• references from lecturers, a research supervisor, or an employer;
• a research proposal or study plan for research and doctoral programmes;
• a portfolio for creative fields;
• translations and certified copies of documents, if required.

It is better not to prepare one universal package for every call. A strong application shows why this particular programme fits your academic plan and why the foundation should support you specifically.

Application process

1. Make a list of programmes and note the deadlines straight away.
2. Check eligibility: citizenship, study level, field, language, and admission status.
3. Open the official call for applications and save the current document list.
4. Request references early: lecturers and employers need time.
5. Write a motivation letter for the specific foundation, rather than for studying in Germany in general.
6. Check whether you must apply through the DAAD portal, the foundation’s website, the university, or a separate platform.
7. Upload the documents before the deadline and keep confirmation of submission.

For major programmes, preparation often begins several months before the deadline. If you need a research supervisor, portfolio, certified translations, or a language exam, you will need even more time.

Common mistakes

• Applying for a programme without meeting the basic eligibility criteria.
• Checking information only on an aggregator rather than on the foundation’s website.
• Writing a motivation letter with no connection to the aims of the specific scholarship.
• Leaving references until the final week.
• Not accounting for deadlines that differ by country of origin, field, and study start date.
• Confusing university admission with a scholarship application: these are often two separate processes.

FAQ

Can I get a scholarship for an undergraduate degree?

Yes, but such opportunities are usually fewer than for master’s programmes, doctoral studies, and research stays. For undergraduate study, it is especially important to check university programmes, foundations, and regional initiatives.

Do I need to have already been admitted to a German university?

It depends on the programme. Some calls require an admission letter, others allow you to apply in parallel with admission, while research grants may require an invitation from a research supervisor.

Is it enough to submit one DAAD application?

No. DAAD publishes different programmes, each with its own selection logic. You should also look at university scholarships, private and public foundations, programmes for particular fields, and support in your country of origin.

Do I need to repay a scholarship?

Many academic scholarships, including DAAD scholarships, are not loans and do not have to be repaid. However, the rules depend on the programme: read the agreement, renewal terms, and reporting requirements carefully.

Key takeaway

The search for a scholarship to study in Germany does not begin with an attractive list of programmes, but with checking eligibility, deadlines, and the official call for applications. Use DAAD, Stiftungssuche, MyStipendium, e-fellows, and university websites as different entry points, but make your final decision only on the basis of the current terms of the specific foundation or programme.